Episode 1453: Acts of the Apostles (Part 1, Ch 13-Peter)

While staying in Joppa, Peter experienced a puzzling vision. A large sheet descended from heaven containing all kinds of animals, both clean and unclean according to Jewish law. Three times a voice instructed him to kill and eat, and three times Peter refused. Each time the voice replied, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Before Peter could fully understand the vision, messengers arrived from Caesarea on behalf of Cornelius, a Roman centurion who had also received a divine visitation. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Peter accompanied them, sensing that God was orchestrating something larger than he yet understood.

Upon arriving at Cornelius's house, Peter found a gathering of Gentiles eagerly waiting to hear God's message. Crossing the threshold of a Gentile home was itself a significant step for a Jewish believer of his day. As Peter listened to Cornelius describe his angelic encounter, the meaning of the rooftop vision became clear. The issue had never been food. God was challenging Peter's assumptions about people. Standing before a room full of Romans, Peter declared that God shows no favoritism but welcomes people from every nation who fear Him and seek Him.

As Peter preached about Jesus, the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his household just as He had fallen upon the disciples at Pentecost. The Jewish believers accompanying Peter were astonished to witness Gentiles receiving the same gift of the Spirit. Recognizing God's unmistakable work, Peter ordered that they be baptized. When questioned later in Jerusalem, Peter recounted the entire story, and the believers rejoiced that God had granted repentance and life even to the Gentiles. Looking back, Peter realized that God had been widening the boundaries he had drawn. The kingdom of God was far larger than he had imagined, and the door of salvation was open to all who would enter through faith in Christ.